Shiko-Me

by Micha F. Lindemans

The "ugly ones," personifications of the calamities that can affect people, such as accidents, curses, epidemics, illness, misery, misfortune, and poverty. They inhabit the region under the earth called Yomi-T'su-Kuni, the "land of darkness." When they rise up from the underworld to annoy humans they assume the form of demons, usually female.

The Shiko-Me can usually be deflected with an appropriate prayer or an offering to Kamu-Nahobi, the "god-who-puts-things-right."